The village lies within the Thirsk and Malton UK Parliament constituency. It also is within the Stillington electoral division of North Yorkshire County Council and the White Horse ward of Hambleton District Council.[6] The local Parish Council has seven members.[7]

The nearest settlements are Coxwold 1.6 miles (2.6 km) to the north-east; Oulston 1.8 miles (2.9 km) to the east; Carlton Husthwaite 1.6 miles (2.6 km) to the north-west; Thormanby 1.8 miles (2.9 km) to the west and Easingwold 3.4 miles (5.5 km) to the south. Elphin Beck runs to the north of the village and is part of the tributary system of the River Swale.[6]

The 1881 UK Census recorded the population as 436.[2] The 2001 UK Census recorded the population as 417, of which 304 were over the age of sixteen and 194 of those were in employment. There were 175 dwellings of which 94 were detached.[8] The 2011 Census recorded a population of 404.[1]